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ENDOMETRIOSIS

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and can impact both daily life and fertility. Here, you’ll find clear guidance on the condition and how treatment can support your journey to parenthood.

Read Ashley's story
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How does endometriosis affect fertility?

Endometriosis can make it harder to conceive by affecting the reproductive organs. For example, scar tissue may block the fallopian tubes, or inflammation can impact egg quality. However, not all women with the diagnosis of endometriosis have difficulty conceiving and many can conceive naturally. It is estimated that 30 to 50% of women who have difficulty conceiving after one year of regular sexual intercourse have the condition. 

Chances of natural conception with endometriosis

Infographic showing three donut charts: 75% of women with mild endometriosis conceive naturally within a year, about 50% with moderate endometriosis conceive naturally, and about 25% with severe endometriosis conceive naturally.

Trying to conceive with endometriosis: Ashley’s story

Ashley has been living with endometriosis since she was a teenager. Years of painful, heavy periods left her bedbound at times, alongside hospital visits and surgery to remove the disease. She was often told it was just bad periods, but she knew it was more than that.

When Ashley and her husband Jason started trying for a baby, they hoped it would happen naturally. Instead, they faced years of waiting, setbacks, and heartbreak. With specialist support from Care Fertility Sheffield and a treatment plan built around her endometriosis, their journey took a different turn.

In this video, Ashley shares her story in her own words, from teenage symptoms to trying to conceive, and what life looks like now. Watch her story below, or read her full journey to follow every step in detail. 

Understanding Endometriosis: a free guide

Endometriosis can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding how it affects your fertility. That’s why we’ve created the Endometriosis Guide—a supportive, expert-led resource to help you make sense of it all. Inside, you’ll find clear information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, as well as guidance on how endometriosis might impact conception and what fertility treatments can help.

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have been managing the condition for years, this guide is here to reassure and empower you. Download your copy today—because you deserve answers, support, and a plan that’s right for you.

<span style="color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-family: ESRebond; font-weight: 600;">Download your free guide</span></span>

Endometriosis can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to define your journey. At Care Fertility, we’re here to provide expert care, innovative treatments, and compassionate support. Together, we’ll work to overcome the challenges and help you move closer to achieving your dreams of better health and starting a family.

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Dr Lucy Coyne, Medical Director

Diagnosing endometriosis

Endometriosis often goes undiagnosed, simply because it can be difficult to identify. Symptoms vary from person to person and can overlap with other conditions, which means in-depth investigations are sometimes needed to get clear answers.

But getting a diagnosis matters. It is an important step in understanding your symptoms, managing the condition properly, and knowing how it may be affecting your fertility.

Medical history
Medical history

Your doctor will take a detailed medical history, focusing on your symptoms, how severe they are, and how long they have been affecting you. They will also ask about your menstrual cycle, any difficulties trying to conceive, and whether there is a family history of endometriosis.

This helps build a clear picture of your overall reproductive health before moving on to further investigations.

 

Physical examination
Physical examination

A physical examination allows the doctor to check for signs that may be linked to endometriosis. This can include gently feeling the abdomen and pelvis for tenderness, masses, or other abnormalities.

In some cases, a pelvic examination may also be carried out. This involves the doctor examining inside the vagina with a gloved finger to assess for pain or changes around the womb and ovaries.

Ultrasound scan
Pelvic ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound is usually performed as an internal vaginal scan. This allows us to assess the structure of the ovaries, uterus, and the area behind the womb.

While it can identify ovarian cysts linked to endometriosis, it does not always detect smaller endometriosis lesions. If symptoms continue, further imaging may be recommended.

 

MRI scan
MRI scan

An MRI scan may be recommended if there is concern about more advanced endometriosis, particularly affecting the bowel or bladder.

This type of scan provides detailed images of the pelvis and can help distinguish between endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fibroids. It is often used as a second-line investigation.

 

Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis. It is a minimally invasive procedure that allows a surgeon to view the pelvic organs directly using a small camera.

This approach can confirm the presence and extent of endometriosis and, where appropriate, allow treatment or removal of affected tissue at the same time.

Fertility treatment options for endometriosis

If you’ve been struggling to conceive naturally and have been diagnosed with endometriosis, there are plenty of options that can help. The type of treatment varies based on the severity of the condition and your fertility goals.  

Pre-treatment bundle

£575

Tests, scan, and consultation

Your initial tests, scan, and consultation brought together in one step, with a 42% saving and the option to spread the cost with Klarna.
Learn more →

IVF

From £3,925

IVF using your own eggs

One complete cycle of IVF using your own eggs, taking fertilisation into the lab and growing embryos to the blastocyst stage before transfer.
Learn more →

IVF multicycle

from £9,950

Multiple cycles of IVF

IVF multi-cycle offers treatment across multiple attempts, with unlimited frozen embryo transfers and a 100% acceptance rate for patients under 45.
Learn more →

IUI

£1,350

Insemination with sperm

A simple, minimally invasive treatment that places prepared sperm into the uterus around the time of ovulation to support conception.
Learn more →

After three years of trying to conceive, we were referred to Care Fertility. I have endometriosis and low ovarian reserve (only three follicles), and my partner’s tests showed we needed ICSI – and quickly – if we wanted any chance of conceiving. Peggy, Nikki, and Beth at Tamworth were incredible, especially when our first round sadly ended at 5 weeks. Lisa at Birmingham made us feel so at ease during both egg collections and transfers. Now, after two rounds of ICSI, I’m holding our 9‑week‑old baby girl – with one embryo still frozen. To anyone struggling with infertility: don’t give up. We were given minimal chances, but it can happen. Thank you to everyone at Tamworth and Birmingham – you’ve made our dreams come true.

 

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Sammi Grundy, Trustpilot Review

Managing endometriosis

Living with endometriosis can feel overwhelming, especially when symptoms affect your work, relationships, and plans for a family. While there is no one-size-fits-all treatment, there are options that can help reduce pain, control symptoms, and support your fertility goals.

Your care should always be tailored to you. Below are some of the approaches that may be recommended.

Lifestyle changes

For some people, small lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms. This may include reducing certain foods such as dairy or wheat, and building in regular physical activity.

While diet and exercise will not cure endometriosis, they can support overall wellbeing and may help reduce inflammation and symptom severity for some individuals.
Pain management

Pain relief medication can be used to manage symptoms, particularly during flare-ups or around your period. This might include over-the-counter painkillers or prescription medication recommended by your GP or specialist.

Managing pain effectively is important, not just physically but emotionally too, so you can continue with daily life as comfortably as possible.
Hormonal treatment

Hormonal medications, such as tablets, coils, or injections, can help reduce or suppress the hormonal changes that cause endometriosis tissue to grow and bleed.

These treatments aim to control symptoms rather than cure the condition. They may also prevent symptoms from worsening over time.
Keyhole surgery (laparoscopy)

Keyhole surgery can be used to remove or treat endometriosis lesions, including ovarian cysts and scar tissue. This may help reduce pain and improve fertility in some cases.

However, surgery on the ovaries, particularly for endometriosis cysts, can sometimes affect ovarian reserve. Your specialist will carefully weigh the benefits and risks before recommending this option.
Hysterectomy

In cases where symptoms do not respond to other treatments, and if you no longer wish to conceive, removal of the womb may be discussed.

This is considered a last-line treatment option and is only recommended after careful consultation and when other approaches have not provided relief.

Get in touch with us

 If you’re concerned about how endometriosis may be affecting your fertility, speak to our team today. Call 0800 564 2270, or complete the form below and we’ll help you take the next step with clarity.